Executive Director, ElderSource
Mission
To empower individuals to age with independence and dignity by providing leadership, direction, advocacy and support for a comprehensive coordinated continuum of care.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1974.
Those served
Seven counties in Northeast Florida: Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties. We serve primarily older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers, but also disabled adults through our Aging and Disability Resource Center. Services include community-based services such as senior centers, congregate dining, adult day care and transportation, but also in-home services such has home-delivered meals, personal care, homemaker and respite. Most of our services are contracted out to local providers. Some of what we do directly are the Elder Helpline and our SHINE program, but we also provide travel training and a benefits enrollment center through a sister corporation of which I am also executive director, ElderSource in Action.
Biggest challenge
My biggest challenge is counteracting the lack of awareness in the community of our agency and how to access us so people can get the help they need, primarily through the Elder Helpline.
Biggest satisfaction
My biggest satisfaction is knowing that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of the elderly and their caregivers whom we are here to serve, helping them to live independently and with dignity in their homes and in the community. I enjoy the wonderful staff I have who make all this happen and the energy and the creativity we all draw on to do it well. I also enjoy working in partnerships with others in the community, sharing in the good work, knowing we can’t do it alone.
Hometown
Before coming to Jacksonville, I lived in Weston and was raised in Miramar. I am originally from New Jersey.
First experience with community service
As a child, I participated in Girl Scouts and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. I’ve been working in Area Agencies on Aging for more than 20 years.
Your job before ElderSource
I worked for the Area Agency on Aging in Miami for 12 years as well as the Area Agency on Aging in Fort Lauderdale and Rock Hill, S.C.
Upcoming events
May 17: 7 p.m. Older Americans Month. ElderSource and the LGBT Elders Task Force for Northeast Florida will be showing a screening of “Gen Silent,” a documentary of the lives of six lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders.
September: Grandparents Day
Contact information
www.myeldersource.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
391-6610
4160 Woodcock Drive, Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32207